A look into the crazy chaos that is my life

39 Lessons in 39 Years

By this time tomorrow I will officially be in the last year of my thirties.

I must admit that turning 40 kind of excites me. I feel like this just may be some of the best years of my life.

Some fear getting older but I love it. I am becoming better the older I get. I am becoming more confident and less self conscious. I am more sure of myself and more forgiving of my mistakes. Getting older isn’t something to fear to me, it’s something to look forward to.

Getting older is a privilege that I know not everyone is afforded.

Every year I learn something new about myself, those around me and the world in which I live and the lessons that I learn are powerful and freeing and I am grateful for them.

1 – Don’t ever be afraid to show your vulnerable side. There are times when the only thing that will make you feel better is to cry. The ability to show this side of yourself actually makes you strong.
2 – Do not waste a moment of your life trying to be perfect. Perfection does not exist. We are all flawed. Own your flaws, they are a part of who you are. They make you beautiful.
3 – Be yourself. Do not try to be anyone else. People will always see through it.
4 – Your job won’t hold your hand when you are sick or dying. Always give it your all but remember it’s just a job. Don’t sacrifice everything else.
5- Slow down. Enjoy the moment. It will all pass so quickly so take the time to relish in the beauty of life.
6 – Don’t compare yourself to others. You know nothing of their journey and they know nothing of yours.
7 – Try to give people a second chance everyone deserves a second chance. They don’t, however, deserve a third.
8 – No matter how much of a cliché it is, what doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.
9 – Don’t go into debt. It’s more of a hassle to get out of than it’s worth. Live within your means.
10 – No one gives a f*&# about the Jones’ do not try to keep up with them.
11 – Learn to say no. It’s ok to say no sometimes.
12 – Don’t ever make someone else feel bad just to bring yourself up. Don’t be a bully and don’t allow yourself to be bullied.
13 – When deciding on a career path, do something you love. You are going to spend a lot of time working, make sure you love what you do. Don’t think about money first. You will be happier doing something that fills your soul over something that fills your bank account.
14 – When someone tries to bring you down, know that it says more about them than it does about you. Haters gonna hate ?
15 – You can’t control others. The only thing in your control is you.
16- Love doesn’t conquer all. Choose wisely.
17 – Read. There is nothing better than getting lost in a book.
18 – If someone loves you they won’t make you chase them.
19 – You never know unless you try. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.
20 – Don’t be flashy. The kind of car you drive, the label on your clothes or the size of your house doesn’t mean a thing. Be modest. Stay humble.
21 – Feed your creativity. It’s necessary for the soul. Find your outlet.
22 – Bad things will happen; a true test of your character is how you pick yourself up when you fall.
23 – Be honest. There is nothing worse than a liar.
24 – Looks always fade. Don’t put your self-worth into what’s on the outside.
25 – See the world. It’s big and beautiful. You will learn so much about yourself and others if you travel.
26 – Demand respect. If someone won’t give it to you, don’t keep them in your life.
27 – You don’t always have to be the best. There will be things you aren’t good at and that’s ok.
28 – Mistakes are how we learn. Don’t be afraid to make them.
29 – Life is a journey. Don’t spend every second worrying about where you’re going, just enjoy the ride.
30 – Celebrate the little things. Use the fancy dishes, wear your best clothes don’t always save it for another time that other time may never arrive.
31- Touch people. Hug those you love. Kiss them. Hold hands. Cuddle on the couch. The touch of a loved one can soothe even the most battered soul.
32 – Get outside. Fresh air and sunshine is as necessary as food, water and sleep.
33 – Relationships are 50/50, even friendships. Be a giving/caring friend but if you aren’t getting the same back, know that it’s ok to turn and walk away.
34 – If you have a handful of close friends you are lucky. Having a few meaningful friendships is far more important than many superficial ones.
35 – You are stronger than you know. You will have moments when you feel weak. Remember you aren’t.
36 – There is still so much left to learn. Once you realize that you really know nothing, that’s when you know you’re a true grown up

37 – Find beauty in the ordinary. Don’t spend your life waiting for the big, dazzling moments, they are few and far between. True beauty can be found in the mundane; snuggling under the covers on a snowy day, looking at the stars on a summer evening, seeing your children smile. Embrace those moments because those are the real magnificent moments of life.

38- You don’t HAVE to allow anyone to treat you, your family or your home in a disrespectful way, regardless of who they are.

39 – Make your choices with confidence. No one else has to approve of your choices but you so don’t worry how other’s feel about your choices. Sometimes even the wrong choices will lead you down the right path.

Without a doubt the best thing about getting older is becoming more sure of myself. I have been known to agonize over decisions, to research and plan and still doubt my decision. There is a freedom in making a choice and letting what be will be. We all make wrong choices sometimes but being comfortable with that is not easy. This year has been about learning to be comfortable in my choices even when they aren’t the best decisions.

This will be the last year in my thirties and you had better believe that I plan to live it with no regrets and without fear. I can’t wait to see what this year brings me, I just know it’s going to be full of surprises!